Goals from Kevin De Bruyne and Phil Foden gave Manchester City a 2-1 victory against Borussia Dortmund in the first stage of the pair’s Champions League quarter-final.
Dortmund started bright but City soon showed their ruthless side with a free-flowing counterattack. Riyad Mahrez grabbed a misplaced pass from Emre Can and released it to De Bruyne who then jerked forward before getting the ball back and finishing from inside.
KDB ➡️ Gundogan ➡️ Foden
An icy finish from Phil Foden in the 90th minute to put Man City ahead in the second stage …
Great vision from De Bruyne once again! ? pic.twitter.com/zlbXWB9cGF
– Football on BT Sport (@btsportfootball) April 6, 2021
Shortly after City got a monumental release when Jude Bellingham had a goal ruled out before the break. Bellingham clearly hit Ederson to the ball but the referee awarded a foul and blew the whistle before the ball crossed the line, eliminating the possibility of a VAR check.
Early in the second half, Haaland was denied, while Foden also threw a good chance. With ten minutes left on the clock, Marco Reus made an equalizer, hooked on Haaland’s consistent ball and hit home. However, their lead did not last long, when Ilkay Gundogan beat Foden to get a late winner.
The result means that the tie is delicately ready for next Wednesday’s second stage. Here are your City and Dortmund player ratings from Etihad Stadium …
Ederson has the referee to thank for saving his blushes | Michael Regan / Getty Images
Ederson (GK) – 5/10 – Release an embarrassing mistake by a terrible referee decision. Made a great save from Haaland early in the second half but could not keep Reus out.
Kyle Walker (RB) – 5/10 – Pretty sloppy in possession during the first half. Sanded up after the break but still handed over the possession a total of 18 times.
John Stones (CB) – 5/10 – With dry time by Haaland who let in the midfield and spun in behind.
Ruben Dias (CB) – 6/10 – Managed by Haaland shortly after the break before he just did enough to shoot him off a certain goal. Restored well after that.
Joao Cancelo (LB) – 6/10 – Caught the eye with some real balls over the top in the second half. A simple shift defensively.
De Bruyne scored a fine goal in the first half | Clive Brunskill / Getty Images
Rodri (CM) – 6/10 – Should have been booked for his tragic attempt to win a penalty in the first place. Fortunately, VAR intervened. Set the tempo.
Ilkay Gundogan (CM) – 7/10 – Passed the ball effectively against his previous club, went a long way and kept it simple depending on what fit. Set the Foot for the winner.
Kevin De Bruyne (AM) – 8/10 – Created the goal with an explosive burst through midfield and then finished skillfully. Went extremely close one second after the break and his cross for the winner was sublime.
Mahrez assisted De Bruyne’s goal | Clive Brunskill / Getty Images
Riyad Mahrez (RW) – 6/10 – Found De Bruyne for the goal. Also created a few more opportunities afterwards.
Bernardo Silva (ST) – 6/10 – Implemented as a false nine again. Helped linked things but did not look too dangerous.
Phil Foden (LW) – 8/10 – A couple of seriously impressive tricks and tricks. Rejected a huge chance in the second half but came to life after that to run the rest of the game. Rewarded with a goal.
Gabriel Jesus – 6/10 – His pace gave City another alternative to Dortmund’s high line.
Akanji looked pretty solid Michael Regan / Getty Images
Marwin Hitz (GK) – 5/10 – Not much to do. Spilled a pretty tame effort during the second half.
Mateu Morey (RB) – 5/10 – Does not look completely comfortable. Sliced a few distances and Foden gave him a really tough time.
Manuel Akanji (CB) – 6/10 – An investment from the front was exciting. Also defended quite well, although he was dribbled past several times.
Mats Hummels (CB) – 6/10 – A few misplaced passes to the side, he looked comfortable enough.
Raphael Guerreiro (LB) – 6/10 – He did not have much opportunity to venture forward as he often does. Maintained his discipline.
Emre Can had an eventful first half Clive Brunskill / Getty Images
Jude Bellingham (CM) – 8/10 – Was absolutely everywhere, filled in defensively and was denied only one goal by a terrible referee decision. His searching ball led to the equalizer.
Mahmoud Dahoud (CM) – 6/10 – Did a little of everything and kept things neat and tidy in possession.
Emre Can (CM) – 4/10 – His mistake in the lead until the opening goal turned out to be fatal. Saved at least to give away a penalty from VAR.
Haaland was always dangerous Clive Brunskill / Getty Images
Ansgar Knauff (RW) – 5/10 – Bizarrely selected despite his lack of experience. He was the weak link forward but was at least enthusiastic.
Erling Haaland (ST) – 7/10 – Always a danger. If we see this as a rehearsal before a summer move to City, he definitely got the part.
Marco Reus (LW) – 7/10 – Started bright but his influence faded when Dortmund was forced to more and more defense. Blast to life for the equalizer, ends clinically.
Gio Reyna – 5/10 – Insert a shift but do not get involved in too much in the last third.
Thomas Delaney – 6/10 – Very little to report.
Thomas Meunier – 4/10 – Pretty slack defender for City’s second goal.
